Strike up the Band. Book by Morrie Ryskind (Based on a libretto by George S. Kaufman).

GERSHWIN, George & Ira.

Published by New York: New World Music Corporation, 1930

About this Item

First edition, association copy, inscribed by both George and Ira for Newman Levy, with quotations from the show: "He's a man of very high degree, not low - but high!". Accompanying the inscription is a sketch by Ira of a man bowing. Newman Levy was a lawyer who graduated from New York University in 1911 and served as Assistant District Attorney, New York County, 1916-19. A student of the Algonquin habitué Deems Taylor, he wrote light verse which was published in the New Yorker and Saturday Evening Post and collected in book form. He also reviewed operas and musicals and composed skits for Broadway revues. A friend of the Gershwins, he is best remembered for his swift riposte to George's musing as to whether his music would still be performed in a hundred years' time: "Yes, if you're around to play it!" Heavily influenced by Gilbert and Sullivan, Strike up the Band was the Gershwins' first fully integrated score for a book musical. It failed on tryout in Philadelphia in 1927, so for its Broadway run three years later Ryskind rejigged various elements of the story. The Gershwins added 12 new songs and rewrote many others both melodically and lyrically. Overall, the effect was to make the show more in tune with the developing swing craze. Red Nichols led the pit orchestra at the Times Square Theater, which included Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa, Jimmy Dorsey, and Jack Teagarden. Quarto. Contemporary red cloth, purple label to spine and green patch label on front board, top edge gilt, original wrappers bound in. Housed in custom black cloth solander box. Slightly rubbed at the extremities, a little soiled, light toning, the first few leaves with minor restoration to the margins: a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 70729

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Strike up the Band. Book by Morrie Ryskind (Based on a libretto by George S. Kaufman).
• Publisher: New York: New World Music Corporation, 1930
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)